Google: AI Alt Text for Google - Google Workspace Add-On

Environment

Google Docs and Google Slides

Issue

How to install and use the AI Alt Text for Google add-on in my U-M Google account.

Resolution

AI Alt Text for Google is a Google Workspace add-on that generates alt text for images in Google Slides and Google Docs.

Note: The use of Alt Text for Google in U-M Google does not change the types of data permitted for use in U-M Google.

Install the U-M AI Alt Text for Google Add-on

You can install the add-on either from the Google Workspace Marketplace or directly from an open Google Slides or Google Docs file.

  • Google Marketplace: Open the AI Alt Text for Google external link add-on.
  • Google Slides/Docs: Open a file, click Extensions > Add-ons > Get add-ons. Locate the AI Alt Text for Google add-on in the “Approved for you” section.
  1. Click Install.
  2. Click Continue to permit the installation.
  3. Select your U-M Google account if prompted, then click Continue to sign in.
  4. Click the Select all checkbox to enable all permissions. Note that you must enable all permissions in order for the tool to function properly.
  5. Click Continue, then close any remaining pop-up windows after the add-on installs.

Use the AI Alt Text for Google Add-On

  1. Open a Google Slides or Google Docs file that contains images. Note that you must have Edit access to the file.
  2. Click Extensions > AI Alt Text for Google > Open Panel. If prompted, follow the on-screen steps to allow the script to run.
  3. The tool opens in a pop-up window and scans all images, then displays a list indicating which images have alt text and which do not.
  4. Choose one of the following options:
    • Generate alt text for all images missing alt text.
    • Regenerate alt text for all images.
    • Select an individually listed image and generate, regenerate, or manually edit its alt text.
  5. Once you have finished, close the AI Alt Text for Google window.

Advanced Options

This option is only recommended for advanced users.

If you wish, you can open the AI Alt Text for Google tool and click the gear icon in the top-right to edit the prompt/instructions used to guide the AI in generating alt text. Click Save to save your changes before continuing to use the tool, or click Reset Prompt to Default to reset the prompt.

Note that any changes made will persist, even when you open the tool in another file.

Troubleshooting

If you get an error indicating the add-on is missing required permissions, uninstall and then re-install the tool. Ensure that you enable all of the permissions when re-installing the tool.

Uninstall the tool

  1. Open any Google Docs or Google Slides file.
  2. Click Extensions > Add-ons > Manage add-ons.
  3. Find the AI Alt Text for Google add-on in the list.
  4. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select Uninstall.

Additional Information

Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.

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